The multi-million dollar transformation of the Portland Foreshore has continued to the next stage, with Glenelg Shire councillors voting on the external design and location for the precinct’s much anticipated multi-purpose facility.
Councillors last week endorsed progress for the $5m multi-purpose facility, choosing a final design and location based on the community’s voting options received during the recent consultation period.
Based on community feedback, the preferred site based for the facility was determined as adjacent to the TS Navy Cadets building, allowing unrestricted views of the foreshore from Bentinck Street and the preferred exterior was determined as a contemporary multi-level roof line with a mix of building materials.
Glenelg Shire Mayor Anita Rank thanked community members who took the time, both in person and online, to have their say and contribute to the voting.
“Thank you to all those who had their say and helped determine the best location and design for this key community asset,” she said.
“The community has exercised their voting power and location one (adjacent to the TS Navy Cadets building) received the most votes in a tight contest and exterior one was the clear favourite ahead of the options two and three.
“A number of key themes were raised during the consultation, including views from Bentinck Street, proximity to the water, environmental impacts and parking.
“Location one ticks off many of these themes, with no disruption to panoramic views form the Portland CBD, easy access to the water and additional car-parking options.
“With the location and exterior designs locked in, we can now work on producing a detailed interior design for the facility, which we hope to release in 2023.
“It’s an exciting step forward in placing the final pieces of the puzzle for the revitalisation of the Portland Foreshore.”
The Portland Foreshore multi-purpose facility is funded through the State Government through the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
The funding will see the existing community infrastructure along the Foreshore combined into one state of the art building.
The facility will house a café, seafood market, club facilities and function rooms in one contemporary space right at the water’s edge.
